old fashioned christmas - ideas?

[perSue]

I wanted to start this spinoff for nanagail ... and i thought maybe having one thread to share this in, rather than all over in a bunch of different xmas threads, may be helpful.

So, what ideas do you have for old fashioned decorations, gifts (for any/everyone)?

I know nanagail was asking for gift ideas, but some of the decorations can be inspiring of gifts. Think of the styles you like... ribbons, fabric, wreaths, the pinecones (i love the pinecones!), how some people dress their tree. Then get inspiration from there...

If you sew, what about using some fabric to inspire... make sheets, pillows, kitchen towels, pot holders, apron, curtains, a sheer lace curtain that covers a bookcase, a cubby or closet w/out a door.

Old fashioned gifts for men, could prove to be more challenging... so think of their specific likes/hobbies/interests.

And the gift itself doesnt necessarily have to be "old fashioned"... but maybe the presentation... how you wrap it... in gingham paper, or use scrap cloth. and real ribbon, rather than paper ribbon.

hint: bows can be a lot prettier in fabric... just use spray starch!

Anyone else....?

[Maine Girl]

What a great idea. You could make fabric bags for wrapping that can be used year after year. If filling stocking the old fashioned way don't forget the oranges and walnuts.

[geckoace]

decorations

what about those bubble lights, i know we had them as kids, then they said they were a hazard a few years ago but they have since re-released them...i didnt know how old-fashioned

the traditional paper circle chain maybe deocorated with candy canes.

candles (the battery-op kind for safety) in those candle holders that you would carry around the house or placed like an advent wreath

[pip]

How about stringing cranberries and popcorn for a tree wrap?

[perSue]

great ideas so far!

keep 'em coming

[Ali Lee]

I think an old fashion tree would have on construction paper chains, popcorn (use stale popcorn) & cranberry chains, strip of fabric bows, colored lights, candy canes (a must) and of course every decoration my kids made in school. My mom said if you put a bird nest in your tree, you will have good luck for the following year. (and so I do) I add cookie cutters with a bow... Enjoy!

[Ceashels]

When I visited Winterthur many years ago, they had very oversized gingerbread cookies (like 12-14 inches tall) hung in the windows of a 17-18th century store front.

They also decorate one tree per year for the birds, filling emptied halves of orange peels with bird seed or suet and sewing ribbon on it to make a hanging basket. They also had pinecones with pb and bird seed on the tree along with other seed type decorations. It was gorgeous and a treat to look at and for the birds.

[JanieD]

I got some gift suggestions, unsure if these are the kind you're looking for. Mostly I'm thinking homemade items if you're crafty (or from crafts fair) & those tried & true items.

Children:
wooden cars, trucks & such
train whistles made from wood
marbles & balls
broomstick horses & cowboy/girl hats
rag dolls, sock monkeys & knitted animals
fabric or knitted doll clothes & blankets
child size apron (cookie mix & kitchen utensils)
child size tool belt (work tools)
books (like Little House on the Prairie, Golden Books, Dick & Jane, etc)

Can't think of as many adult gifts. For some reason an Ice Cream Parlor gift basket with scoop, glass dishes, Smuckers topping & such keeps coming to mind. Knitted/crocheted items (dish cloths, wash cloths, throws, scarves, bookmarks), food items (baked goods, preserves, soup mixes) & fabric tote bags. Guys are tough... outdoor stuff (wheel barrow, garden tools), hand tools. Can't wait to see what others come up with!